Gillette Cup day 1: King College v Hutt International

King College will be relieved to have navigated their first match to a victory following an intense tussle with Hutt International.

Kings would have been disappointed that they didn’t post a higher total than 161, after a solid start of 55 without loss. But after the departure of defensive opener Cameron Gibbons for eight, Kings began to lose wickets regularly. Apart from opener Ben Horne’s top score of 47 and a quick-fire 33 from last year’s player of the tournament, Simon Hickey, the Auckland based team struggled to create a substantial partnership. With each fall of wicket Kings’ run rate suffered and after 50 overs they had posted 161 for eight. Hutt International would have been happy with their performance in the field, nearly all of the bowlers chipping in with a wicket. Sam Fraser was the pick of them though, his ten overs going for just 24 while picking up two wickets.

In reply Hutt’s top order batting line-up was disappointing. Wicket keeper Troy Johnson was the only one to push on, making an unbeaten 57. However he lacked support, lower order batsman Michael Parish the only one to make a contribution of significance, scoring a handy 39 from 65. Once Parish departed it was clear that the defending champs were well on their way to victory, holding Hutt International Boys to 127 for nine from their 50 overs. Michael Haddleton caused Hutt all types of problems collecting three for 22 from ten overs. Hutt failed to back up their fine performance in the field, losing to Kings by 34 runs.